The Small Employer Health Benefits (SEH) Program became operational in 1994 to ensure small employers: (1) have access to small group health benefits plans without regard to the occupation of the group, or the health status of any of the group’s members; and (2) have the ability to renew the coverage from year to year regardless of the group’s claims experience or any changes in the health status of the group’s members.

The SEH Program restricts carrier use of small group participation requirements, employer contribution requirements, preexisting condition limitation provisions, and factors related to rates for health benefits plans offered to small employers. The SEH Program establishes standard health benefits plans. In addition, the SEH Program includes a right for employees and their dependents to continue coverage when no longer eligible for the group’s health plan. This continuation right applies even when an employer is not subject to COBRA.

For more information, such as Eligibility, Program FeaturesandCommonly Asked Questions, see theSEH Buyer's Guide

To learn more about coverage for small employers, see Shopping for Health Insurance information for a brief primer, a more detailed buyer’s guide, FAQs, a premium comparison survey, carrier contact information and more. Then, contact an agent or broker that sells group health insurance or a carrier that offers small employer health benefits coverage for help with your specific situation.